Waterford broadcaster Billy McCarthy passes away aged 62

The death has occurred of popular Waterford broadcaster Billy McCarthy following a short illness. He was 62.

The news was announced by WLRfm in a statement:

“Waterford local radio station WLRfm is very saddened that our loved colleague Billy McCarthy has died after a short illness.”

Billy McCarthy first presented “The Good News Programme” on Saturday mornings on the then WLR pirate station from 1983 to 1988. However when WLR obtained a licence, Billy took over “Deise AM” from 10am-midday in December 1989. Billy was also programme director of WLR from 1989 to 2014. Deise AM has consistently been the most listened to radio show in Waterford for the last 27 years. In 2003 Billy McCarthy won a coveted national PPI Radio Award for Best Current Affairs Programme.

The announcement has been met with dismay on social media.

Terrible news Billy McCarthy has died – our thoughts with all our friends @wlrfm who must be devastated – a great pro & loss to radio

WLRfm Managing Director Des Whelan expressed his sorrow at the passing of the 62 year old.

“Billy was a much loved friend and colleague of all of us here at WLRfm. His untimely death is a huge loss not just to our listeners but to all of us who had the fortune to work with him for many years”.

A special programme to remember Billy McCarthy will be broadcast on WLRfm on Monday 21 November from 10am.